In order to enhance the role playing ability of the participants in a simulation game on collective bargaining and to cultivate a sense of "vested interest" in the game's outcome, the students first prepared positions supporting the union or the management position in a hypothetical case. They were required to defend their position…

The guidebook for the teacher-coordinator of distributive education presents abstracts of 57 games and simulations. Each abstract provides a brief overview of the game or simulation, as well as author, publisher, cost, copyright date, time required, and number of players required. The abstracts are sequenced in alphabetical order. A topical index…

The paper investigates classes of adaptive systems used as prediction machines in certain simple games. Ideally the machine should approach a state which will maximize its expected gain. The simplest machine takes the form of an urn, similar to the urn models of Polya and Friedman, but modified so as to form an adaptive system. The machine is…

The use of simulation and games for learning at all levels of school has grown rapidly in only a few years. In this paper the author attempts to define what such activities are intended to do, how they are best used, and what precisely they are. He points out the differences and similarities between games and simulations. Some theories of learning…

Five articles which were selected from a Russian language book on cybernetics and then translated are presented here. They deal with the topics of: computer-developed computers, heuristics and modern sciences, linguistics and practice, cybernetics and moral-ethical considerations, and computer chess programs. (Author/JY)

The problem of designing computer programs that will approach human capabilities in pattern recognition is discussed. Human beings are much better at recognizing patterns that are highly structured than at recognizing patterns that are not. In contrast, a computer system's performance in pattern recognition is almost independent of the amount of…

This paper examines Wittgenstein's conception of a language game. It is contended that there is, as yet, no linguistic science and that a great deal more deep philosophical imagining and "playing" is needed before we have enough knowledge to develop a real science of language. Similarly, superficial and over-literary British…

This study develops and applies a way of talking about that transformation or change occurring in the mind of a film viewer as he views a film. This articulation is expressed in a metalanguage constructed along parameters of a game situation. The terminology employed in the articulation is derived from contemporary French structuralism and…

An environmental problems unit was organized to be taught with three approaches. One approach contained two simulation exercises, one contained a simulation game and a simulation exercise, and one contained no simulations. These approaches were compared for their effectiveness for teaching facts and relationships and for producing favorable…

A discussion on the need for research to focus on the effects of simulation games on students and social learning. (HB)

Describes a motivational needs game which illustrates quickly and dramatically how a person's needs can be activated and changed. It illustrates how problem solving performance is inhibited when people have a high need for security in an unfamiliar situation. The game requires 30-45 minutes and accommodates 5-20 people. (VT)

Games can be modified by teachers or children to suit individual developmental needs. (PBS)

Presents ideas for outside fitness activities such as Frisbee games, juggling, blanket ball, monsterball, jogging, and throwing. (JMB)

The Mass Media Simulation game is the focal point of the mass communication program at Northern Kentucky University. Students participate in the simulation over at least a four semester period. (Author/STS)

This paper discusses some of the problems of evaluating educational games and simulations, and illustrates them with examples taken from the author's experiences with an economic policy game. (VT)